Panel erection apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for erecting prefabricated panels comprising a beam assembly for supporting counterbalancing similar panels at opposite ends and accommodating manipulation of the panels whereby they can be picked up, transported, and swung about one or more axes for erection in situ.

O United States Patent 1 13,552,583

[72] inventor Norman R. Toffolon [56] References Cited 22 Waterville Road, Farmington, Conn. UNITED STATES PATENTS 06032 2,010,054 8/1935 Brotz et a1. 294/81 9. 3 3 2,727,638 12/1955 Sestan 214/620X [221 1 1 2,833,430 5/1958 Collins 214/86(A) D|v1s|0n of Ser. No. 637,553, May 10, 3 180 67 4/1965 Bachmann 294/81 1967, Pat. No. 3,462,025, and a division of Ser. N6. 5s9,159, Sept. 26, 1966, Pat. FORElGN PATENTS No. 3,333,322, which is a continuation-in- 1,231,819 4/1960 France 294/81 part of 138520 Sept 1961 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza 45 P t d g g i -gg Assistant Examiner-Frank E. Werner I 1 e AttorneyMc Cormick, Paulding & Huber [54] PANEL ERECTION APPARATUS 6 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

[52] (1.8. CI 214/1, 294/81, 214/620 [51] Int. Cl B35j 3/00 ABSTRACT: Apparatus for erecting prefabricated panels [50] Field of Search 214/ 18, 11-1, comprising a beam assembly for supporting counterbalancing 1, 620; 294/27, 86LS, 87, 78A, 28, 67.4A, 67.4, 67.4B, 67, 81, 8lS.F.; 29/463, 469, 448; 52/86, 749, 745, 741, 747

similar panels at opposite ends and accommodating manipulation of the panels whereby they can be picked up, transported, and swung about one or more axes for erection in situ,

PATENTEU JAN 51971 3552.583

sum 1 0F 5 IN V EN TOR. NORMAN R. TOFFOLON PATENTED .1: sum

4 $HEET M BF 5 PANEL ERECTION APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a division of my copending application Ser. No. 637,553 entitled Apparatus For Erecting Prefabricated Panels and the Like, filed May 10, 1967 (now Pat. No. 3,462,025). Ser. No. 637,553 is a division of Ser. No. 589,159, (now issued as US. Pat. No. 3,333,322), filed Sept. 26, 1966, entitled Method and Apparatus for Erecting Prefabricated Panels and the Like. Ser. No. 589,159 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 138,520, filed Sept. 15, 1961 entitled Method and Apparatus For Erecting Prefabricated Panels Or the Like (now abandoned).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Apparatus available in the past has been cumbersome and expensive particularly where it has been necessary to handle and counterbalance in the apparatus per se relatively large and heavy panels. There is no known instance of counterbalancing by using the weight of a second identical panel for such purpose.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for erecting prefabricated panels or the like which can be employed with speed and facility and which requires only relatively small, lightweight and inexpensive auxiliary supporting equipment, the costs encountered in erecting the panels or the like thus being greatly reduced.

Another and a more specific object of the invention is to provide panel erection apparatus wherein a pair of opposing panels are handled simultaneously and in such a manner that the weight of one panel balances or at least approximately balances the weight of the other.

A still further and a more specific object of the invention is to provide panel erection apparatus of the type mentioned and which is adapted to lift a pair of opposing prefabricated panels or the like and to effect or at least accommodate relative swinging movements of the panels as required for erection of the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan view showing a pair of opposing prefabricated panels and one embodiment of the erection apparatus of the invention, the panels being shown at rest and substantially in prone positions.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the panels in elevated positions and held by the erection apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a further step in erection wherein the panels are swung about generally vertical axes to bring lower edge portions thereof .into adjacent relationship.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the panels in broken line positions wherein they are commencing pivotal movement about generally horizontal axes, and in full line positions wherein they have completed such pivotal movement so as to reach upright attitudes.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing inner surfaces of adjacent panels and illustrating the manner in which a lower edge portion of a panel can be secured in place.

FIG. 6 is a transverse vertical section showing a pair of transversely opposing panels finally secured in place.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section taken generally as indicated at 7-7 in FIG. 6. 2

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a temporary building employing a plurality of panels erected with apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of a prone panel and an erection beam assembly of simplified construction.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary vertical transverse section taken generally as indicated at l0, K0 in FIG. 9, but with theassociated panel in an upright position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Generally speaking, erection of panels in accordance with the present invention involves the arrangement of a transversely opposing pari of similar prefabricated panels or the like in transversely spaced prone positions with their inner sides or surfaces facing upwardly. A panel erection apparatus which has two similar transversely spaced panel support means each of which is adapted to be attached to and to accommodate relative movement of a panel is provided and the panels are attached respectively at their inner sides to said transversely spaced support means on the erection apparatus and the apparatus is then utilized to lift the panels in a generally vertical direction. The panels are lifted by the erection apparatus in such manner that the weight of one panel balances or at least approximately balances the weight of the other. Finally, while held by the erection apparatus, the panels are manipulated and moved relative to the apparatus and to each other in such manner as to assume the desired erected positions or attitudes.

In FIG. 1 it will be observed that first and second or left and right-hand panels L and R of a transversely opposing pair of panels are arranged in transversely spaced positions and preferably with their inner sides or surfaces facing upwardly. The panels may be'placed individually on the ground or on suitable supports or, preferably, the panels are placed in stacked relationship with similar panels L L L and R,, R R disposed therebeneath as indicated in FIG. 2. When placed in stacked relationship as shown in FIG. 2, the panels are handled and erected successively in top-to-bottom order.

While the apparatus of the invention is particularly well suited to the type of prefabricated panels shown, other types of panels as well as large open frames and the like can be accommodated as mentioned above. The particular panels shown are identical in construction and each of the panels includes transverse base and peak frame members 10 and i2 and a plurality of similar transverse intermediate frame members 14, 14. Left and right-hand longitudinal side frame members l6 and 18 cooperate with intermediate longitudinal frame members 20, 20 and with the aforesaid transverse frame members to provide rigid support for a skin or covering 21. The panels are generally rectangular and substantially elongated in plan form and viewed from the side they have a shallow arcuate contour.

Still refer referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be observed that a panel erection apparatus shown comprises an erection beam assembly indicated generally at 22. Generally, said assembly comprises an erection beam 24 which extends transversely and which carries a pair of similar panel support means, 26, 26 at its opposite end portions. Also included in the erection apparatus is a means for lifting the panels and, as shown, said means may comprise a boom equipped tractor 28. A boom 30 on the tractor 28 has an associated cable and hook arrangement 32 adapted for connection with a generally triangular harness member 34 mounted centrally on the erection beam 24. Obviously, this arrangement provides for the simultaneous raising and lowering of the erection beam 24, the panel support means 26, 26 and the panels L andR attached to the support means. Additionally, the erection beam assembly and the panels can be transported horizontally by suitable ground movement of the tractor 28.

Erection apparatus will be described more fully hereinafter, but it is important to note here that connection of the panel support means 26, 26 with the panels is judiciously effected. The panels are connected with the panel support means 26, 26 at their inner sides and, preferably, such connections are effected approximately at the respective centers of gravity of the panels. While not so shown in the drawings, it is the presently preferred practice to effect connection of a panel support means with its panel approximately at the center of gravity but spaced slightly therefrom such that the panel will be slightly bottom heavy when it is subsequently moved to-an upright position in a manner to be described. It is found that panels which are slightly bottom heavy in their upright positions exhibit improved resistance to air currents and are readily manipulated so as to be secured in place.

When a pair of opposing panels, such as the panels L and R, have been attached to the support means 26, 26 the erection beam may be raised so as to lift the panels above the remaining panels in the stacks. Preferably lines are secured to the panels as at 36, 36 to provide for steadying of the same during elevation. Workmen holding the lines 36, 36 may also steady the panels during transport of the same in generally horizontal attitudes or positions as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the preferred erection procedure, the panels are brought to the erection site and manipulation of the same for erection is effected while they are held by the erection apparatus of the invention. The weight of one panel balances or at least approximately balances the weight of the other during lifting of the panels, during transport, and during relative movements of the panels which are effected to erect. the same. The panels are swung upwardly about generally horizontal axes to upright positions during erection, upward swinging movement thereof being preceded by sidewise swinging or pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis. That is, with the substantially elongated panels L and R shown, the panels are lifted and transported in generally parallel relationship as shown. Thereafter, the lower edge portions of the panels in FIGS. 1 through are swung inwardly toward each' other as illustrated in FIG. 3 preliminary to the upward swinging movement of the panels. As is also illustrated in FIG. 3, lower edge portions of the panels L and R can be conveniently swung inwardly into adjacent relationship when the panels are lowered slightly from their transport positions so as to be grasped readily by workmen. The panels may be swung to the position shown in FIG. 3 simultaneously and then swung upwardly simultaneously or, alternatively, the panels may be erected individually, it being noted that the condition of balance is not destroyed in either case.

In FIG. 4 it will be observed that the panels L and R are swung about generally horizontal axes to upright positions by moving the aforementioned lower end portions thereof outwardly and downwardly. Preferably, and as indicated in FIG. 4, the erection beam 24 is raised after the generally horizontal swinging movement of the panels is effected as in FIG. 3. If desired, however, both the horizontal and vertical swinging movements of the panels may be effected with the erection beam at the relatively high position of FIG. 4.

When the panels have been swung to upright positions through either of the aforesaid paths, their upper edge portions are in adjacent relationship as illustrated in FIG. 4 and they are at least approximately in position to be secured in place, In FIG. 5, the panel R is shown secured in position at its lower end portion. As will be observed, the transverse base member 10 of each panel is provided with a suitable series of openings for receiving upright bolts 38, 38 secured in a foundation member 40. A succeeding right-hand panel R, is shown in position wherein workmen are entering the bolts 38, 38 in the openings in its base member 10.

When a pair of transversely opposing panels L and R have been secured in position at lower end or base portions by entering bolts 38, 38 in the openings in their base members 10, 10 a peak attachment may be effected as illustrated in FIG. 6. That is, the transverse peak members 12, 12 of the panels may be rigidly connected together by means of suitable bolts 44,44 shown. Adjacent panels, such as the panels R and R in FIG. 5, may then be connected together by means of suitable bolts 46, 46 as illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, adjacent side frame members 16 and 18 of the adjacent panels can be secured together by means of the bolts 46,46 whereby to secure the panels.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that several pairs of opposing panels can be erected in succession to form a building as illustrated in FIG. 8, end walls of the building being provided by suitable prefabricated panels or by other means..The apparatus of the invention is desirably simple and provides for full control and convenient manipulation of the panels at all times.

In FIGS. 9 and 10 an erection beam assembly of simplified construction is illustrated. The said beam assembly is particularly well suited to use in the erection of relatively compact and lightweight panels or panels having substantial inherent rigidity. Said assembly comprises an erection beam 24a in the form of an I-beam and which is provided with apair of members 104, 104 spaced approximately equally from the center of the beam. The members 104, 104 are generally rectangular in cross section and are hollow so as to receive the forks of a forklift vehicle. Panel support means 26a, 26a mounted at opposite end portions of the erection beam 24a are substantially identical and only one of said means need be described in detail.

The right-hand panel support means 26a in FIG. 9 is shown in connected relationship with a panel disposed therebeneath. It will be observed that a connecting means or member of the support means includes a pair of hooks 106, 106. The hooks 106, 106 are engaged with a small pin 108 entered in a suitable opening in a longitudinal frame member 20 of the panel. Depending flexible members 110, 110 connecting the hooks I 106, 106 with the erection beam 240 are shown as comprising chains connected with the hooks and with an eye member 112, FIG. 10. The eye member 112 has a shank 114 pivotally entered in suitable openings in a hollow crossbar 116 and a bar supporting tube 118. An upper end portion of the eye member 112 is enlarged so as to provide vertical support for the eye member and for the connected chains and hooks. The tubular support member 118 is fixedly secured to the erection beam 244 as by means of suitable welding and the crossbar 116 is entered in said member and similarly secured thereto.

Referring first to FIG. 9, it will be seen that the hooks 106, 106 can be readily engaged with a pin 108 secured in place in a longitudinal frame member 20 of a prefabricated panel. When the hooks are initially secured to the pin 108, they lie substantially in vertical longitudinal planes or, in planes extending at right angles with respect to the erection beam 24a. When the panels have been lifted and transported to the erection site, horizontal swinging movement of the panels as illustrated in FIG. 3 can be effected by pivotal movement of the eye member 112 through approximately 90. That is, the hooks 106, 106 can be swung from their aforementioned vertical longitudinal planes to vertical transverse planes substan tially parallel with the erection beam 24a, as shown in FIG. 10. The panels may then be swung upwardly for erection and during such upward swinging movement the frame members 20, 20 of the panels can engage the crossbars 116, 116 so as to pivot thereabout as shown in FIG. 10.

When the panels have been secured in position, slight downward movement of the beam 24a will permit ready detachment of the panels from the beam assembly.

I claim: v

1. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like arranged in transversely spaced prone positions with their inner sides facing upwardly, said apparatus comprising an elongated substantially horizontal and transversely extending erection beam arranged with opposite end portions disposed respectively above the panels, and a pair of panel support means connected respectively at said opposite end portions of said erection beam, each said panel support means comprising a depending flexible panel support member, freely rotatable pivot means at an upper end portion of said member connecting to said erection beam for free pivotal movement of the member and a panel supported thereon about a vertical axis, detachable panel connecting and supporting means at a lower end portion of said member, and a substantially horizontal cross member arranged above the lower end of said flexible support member and having an outwardly exposed arcuate surface to engage an inner surface of a panel during swinging panel movement about a generally horizontal axis in erection of the panel, said cross member serving to provide a smooth bearing surface about which the panel can be pivoted for precise control of the swinging movement thereof to an upright position.

2. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible support member comprises first and second flexible elements connected in common at upper end portions with said pivotmeans and having independent lower end portions each provided with detachable panel connecting means for connection respectively on opposite sides of an exposed structural member on the panel.

3. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second flexible elements comprise first and second chains, and wherein said detachable panel connecting means comprise first and second book members secured respectively at lower end portions of said claims.

4. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cross member comprises an elongated cylindrical element secured intermediate its ends to said erection beam.

5. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like asset forth in claim 2 wherein said pivot means comprises an eye member pivotally supported by'said erection beam.

6. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said erection beam is provided intermediate its ends with means for mounting the same on a forklift vehicle. 

1. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like arranged in transversely spaced prone positions with their inner sides facing upwardly, said apparatus comprising an elongated substantially horizontal and transversely extending erection beam arranged with opposite end portions disposed respectively above the panels, and a pair of panel support means connected respectively at said opposite end portions of said erection beam, each said panel support means comprising a depending flexible panel support member, freely rotatable pivot means at an upper end portion of said member connecting to said erection beam for free pivotal movement of the member and a panel supported thereon about a vertical axis, detachable panel connecting and supporting means at a lower end portion of said member, and a substantially horizontal cross member arranged above the lower end of said flexible support member and having an outwardly exposed arcuate surface to engage an inner surface of a panel during swinging panel movement about a generally horizontal axis in erection of the panel, said cross member serving to provide a smooth bearing surface about which the panel can be pivoted for precise control of the swinging movement thereof to an upright position.
 2. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flexible support member comprises first and second flexible elements connected in common at upper end portions with said pivot means and having independent lower end portions each provided with detachable panel connecting means for connection respectively on opposite sides of an exposed structural member on the panel.
 3. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second flexible elements comprise first and second chains, and wherein said detachable panel connecting means comprise first and second hook members secured respectively at lower end portions of said claims.
 4. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cross member comprises an elongated cylindrical element secured intermediate its ends to said erection beam.
 5. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said pivot means comprises an eye member pivotally supported by said erection beam.
 6. Apparatus for erecting an opposing pair of similar prefabricated panels or the like as set forth in claim 2 wherein said erection beam is provided intermediate its ends with means for mounting the same on a forklift vehicle. 